Review: Parallel Lies

Parallel Lies by Georgia Rose
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Madeline has fled her past. Changing her name she moves to somewhere that she feels at home for the first time in her life. She has the perfect job and some amazing friends. She even has a few men around to satisfy her urges without having to worry about strings. Everything is going wonderfully. Until a blast from the past shows up out of nowhere.

I want to start by saying there is a trigger warning in this book. I can't say what or where. It's there though. People who are uneasy around violence should avoid reading this book. I really enjoyed this book, but I feel like it could have been glossed a bit more. There are many parts that just fall flat in my opinion. To be fair, I'm not really sure if this is the book itself or the narration. I'm also willing to admit that I'm being overly judgmental. I never thought a story being told in second person would be interesting. I'm wrong. This book isn't entirely told in second person. Just from Dan's point of view. It was fascinating.

Madeline was a bit of a puzzle for me. I can understand why she does the things she does. She had a very horrible past. I won't go into too much because I would love for others to read this book as well. What I don't really fully understand is how quickly she changes her resolve about something. I really liked her neighbor. She had some wit about her. I'd of loved to see some of this book from her point of view. I really would have liked to have gotten to know Dan a bit more. It seems he's kind of rushed.

This book was narrated by Henri Merriam. He did a pretty decent job. He didn't stumble on any of the words or skip things. I just felt like parts of his narration felt a bit flat. I'm not really sure how to explain it better than that. I also am fully aware that there's a chance that my opinion may be due to personal preferences. I'm in no way trying to attack or undermine the narrator. He did a decent enough job for me to practically listen to the entire book in one sitting.

This book will never be considered a favorite of mine. I will probably never reread it. I did enjoy it though. I do want to stress again that there are a few triggering parts in the story. It shouldn't be read for those who are easily triggered by violent acts. That being said, I fully intend to read or listen to the second book in the duology. Another forewarning I should mention is that it ends on a cliffhanger.

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Review: Parallel Lies

Parallel Lies by Georgia Rose
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



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Review: Definitely Dead

Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Review: Pawsitively Poisonous

Pawsitively Poisonous by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Review: Celtic Dragon: Knights of Silence MC Book 3

Celtic Dragon: Knights of Silence MC Book 3 by Amy Cecil
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Review: The Road to Anywhere But Here

The Road to Anywhere But Here by Carol Newman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Review: Dead as a Doornail

Dead as a Doornail by Charlaine Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jason is about to turn into a panther for the first time. Calvin has agreed to help him with the transition. Everything turns out fine until Calvin gets shot in the chest. It turns out that a few weres and shifters have been shot. One was even killed. There are many people that seem to think that Jason may be the one shooting them. They think he's trying to get revenge for being turned into a panther against his will.

This book was all over the place! I was impressed and intimidated. I also do not remember reading this the first time around at all. I'm beginning to think it's because I read the series so long ago and I've read so many books since then. Either way, I'm really enjoying reading the series. It's been an absolutely amazing ride for me. There were a few parts in this particular book that I felt were a little too rushed over.

Sookie seems to have really come into her skin in this one. She's fully standing up for herself. She's completely sarcastic. I do feel like there's a bit of pent up aggression and agitation that she should probably find a healthy way to get out. Eric and Sam will always be two of my favorite characters in this series. For two completely different reasons. I never really cared for Bill. I always thought his attitude was rude and selfish.

This book, like the rest of the series, was narrated by Johanna Parker. She did just as amazing job on this book as she did the rest. If I close my eyes as I listen, it will be like I'm actually there observing through Sookie's eyes. I know that I could get that while reading too. I get that. It's just that she completely throws herself into the story. It's almost like she literally becomes part of the story. It's amazing. It's inspiring!

I don't really remember the series from the first time around. That's okay though. I'm really enjoying it this time around. It's been an amazing ride. I can't believe I'm practically halfway through the series now. I'm not quite halfway, but I'm almost there. I am at a point where I'm excited to power through the series, but I also don't want the series to end!

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Review: Foul Is Fair

Foul Is Fair by Hannah Capin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Something awful happens to Jade. She goes to a party celebrating her 16th birthday when she's drugged and violated. What people don't realize is that she's Wiccan. She and her clan vow revenge on the boys who turned a night that should have been magical into a nightmare. One person at a time.

I found this book very disturbing in many ways. I liked the story. I really did, but it was disturbing on so many levels. It's like reading a horror novel from the killer's point of view. Something I'm not really used to. In ways, it's like Cruel Intentions, but the main character isn't really horrible. I mean she is, but it's understandable as to why she is. I'm not saying what happens is justified. I'm just saying that I understand it.

Jade is a force of nature. She's terrifying. I wouldn't wish her wrath on my worst enemy. There are several questions I have. Like where are her parents for over half of this stuff that goes down? How is she always able to stay the night at people's houses with no questions asked at all? Also, why were some of the characters faded so much into the background? I kind of forgot who was who now and then.

This book was narrated by Emily Lawrence. She did a pretty amazing job. I almost turned this book in and just read the book on my Kindle, but her narration had me hooked. I actually think it may have amplified the creep factor up to like 20. I'm not sure if I've ever listened to her books before. The name does sound familiar. Either way, I'd definitely listen to other narrations done by her.

While I enjoyed this book, I found it way over the top. It was a little too creepy for my taste. Also, I found that some places were rushed over a little too much. I also didn't really care too much for the ending. I guess I expected a little more. I'm still glad that I got a chance to read it. It's unique. I will say that. I won't be re-reading it.

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Review: Been There, Married That

Been There, Married That by Gigi Levangie Grazer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Agnus has the perfect life. Her husband is a successful producer. She's launching her own career as a writer. Then things start unraveling. It starts with a trickle that turns into a downpour. Her husband doesn't show up to her book launch party. If that isn't enough, she comes home to find that she's been locked out of and barred from her home. From there, things just get more and more overwhelming.

I found this book absolutely hilarious! For those who are expecting something more serious, this book won't be for them. It's full of satire. I feel like it's meant to be a parody of sorts. I found the book very fast paced, but easy to get into and understand. I had many "wow" moments. I knew when I saw the cover and title that I'd love it. It wasn't what I expected, but it's still worth a read. For those who love books with a lot of comic relief, this book is definitely worth it!

I'm going to start with the obvious here. Agnus. She's just amazingly quirky. She has this ability to let almost anything slide off her. She just keeps going. That is until you try to come between her and her daughter. Then, it's on. Her sister Finn was pretty hilarious as well! I have to say her and the daughter were my favorite two characters in the entire book. I was sad I didn't get to see more of the daughter and the husband. All of the characters of this book were AMAZING.

This book was narrated by Amy McFadden. One of my all time favorite narrators of all time! She's amazing! Once I found out she narrated it, I knew it would be worth listening to! So I jumped at the opportunity to get it on audio. Not that actually reading it isn't worth it. It's just that when you love a narrator, you want to hear them read it!

While this may not be a serious book, it's definitely worth the read. It's full of drama and chaos. It's also full of all kinds of references to pop culture. Some of which are taken way out of context. Which makes it even more hilarious. I enjoyed this book more than I can even explain!

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Review: Winterdream

Winterdream by Chantal Gadoury
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's Christmas Eve. Clara is enjoying the Christmas Ball that her parents always put together. This one is different because her best friend has gotten engaged. She knows that soon becoming engaged will be expected of her as well. The night is interrupted by a dramatic entrance by her great uncle. He gives her a gift that changes everything. It leads her to a whole new world where everybody is counting on her to break a spell.

I have to be honest, I have never actually read The Nutcracker. If it was read to me, I was too young to remember it fully. I did see it every year in theatre as a child. It was and will always remain one of my favorite plays of all time. I loved the story. I loved the rendition. I was ecstatic to find out that this was a retelling! I was curious to see where they would take the story. I could cry with happiness! The beginning starts out almost entirely like the original story. I stress almost.

Clara was a beautiful soul. She was born into aristocracy, but she remained humble and kind. It was beautiful. She was actually a refreshing change to a character I've endured recently, but that's for another place and time. I loved all the characters in the book. Even the ones that were not that great. I mean they are the biggest reason we read these stories. We enjoy the conflict! They bring the conflict! Also, I will never look at a Nutcracker the same way. We have a collection here.

This book was narrated by Anne Marie Lewis. She did a very impressive job for the most part. There were times she made some of the people sound a bit robotic and stiff. I think for some of them that were done on purpose. I can't be sure. I especially think she designed the Prince's voice to sound like that as he was a Nutcracker. Either way, I really enjoyed her narration!

I feel like I should have had some anxieties going into this story. Especially since it's retelling one of my favorite plays of all time. I didn't. I was more thrilled than anything. I mean I'm constantly seeing Disney Princess retellings. I would love to see retellings from other stories as well! This was told so beautifully. It's hard not to just want to listen to the very end!

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Review: The Body in Griffith Park

The Body in Griffith Park by Jennifer Kincheloe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Anna has finally decided to marry Joe. She wants to marry him on her own terms. That's about the only thing going right for her at the moment. Her father still wants nothing to do with her. The chief of police is starting to crack down on her job performance. To add a cherry to the top of the storm that's festering around her, some unknown person is sending her flowers and gifts to her desk every day. She makes a discovery that turns her world upside down.

I really enjoyed the story. Despite my frustrations with the main character. The story itself was amazing. It was full of intrigue and moments that threw me. It's amazing how many things everybody was juggling while still maintaining a healthy social life. It intrigued me. It does show that it's possible. If people could figure out how to do it in the early 1900s, I can figure out how to do it now. There were a few things that I wish were drawn out a bit more.

I haven't ever liked Anna. I mean I respect the fact that she's brilliant. It's amazing how she deduces things so easily that others couldn't see at all. In today's time, she'd be a valuable asset to any of the law enforcement units. She would be respected and revered. I get that. I do. It doesn't change the fact that she's so spoiled and selfish. She doesn't bother to see things from anybody else's point of view but her own. She's a royal brat! I really enjoyed Joe, but he had flaws too. His lack of willingness to stand up for himself. He did the right thing, but he still let Anna make him feel bad! I still adore his character so much.

This book was narrated by Moira Quirk. The first two books in the series were narrated by her. She does a fantastic job. She gave Anna even more dramatic flair than the story originally did. Which is amazing. It takes a real talent for the narrator to fully become the characters they are narrating. She's one of the few that has that talent. I will be listening to other audiobooks by her.

I really enjoyed this book. I may not have really cared for Anna, but that's a personal thing. It has no reflection on the book itself. The whole series was amazing. I was thinking this was a trilogy at first, but it seems like there may be more books that will be a part of this story. If there is, I'm completely down with that idea. I will read every book that has to do with this series. I enjoyed the three very much.



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Review: Chemical Attraction

Chemical Attraction by Christina Thompson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Madeline notices things being ordered and never delivered. Upon calling other departments in her lab, she discovers they have the same issue as she does. She calls the FBI to get an investigation going. Meanwhile, strange things are occurring around the town. To keep anybody from discovering the investigation, Madeline pretends to date the FBI agent who's assigned to the task.

I enjoyed this story a lot more than I thought I would. At first, I got a completely wrong impression of it. I was completely expecting to be cringing through the entire story. I did cringe but in a good way. This book kept me on edge through the whole thing. I couldn't get enough of it. Anything I guessed was way off. It could have gone into more detail in certain places. I also wish the shock factor would have been amplified a bit. That's just my personal preference though.

There were quite a few characters in this book. Most of them were pretty witty and clever. I really adored Madeline, but there were sometimes she was a bit annoying. She's an intelligent woman who considers herself a scientist, but there are times she comes off a little inexperienced. Her partner was pretty amazing. There was a character in the book I just felt so badly for. I think his name was Simon. I'm not sure. People were cruel to him. I know that much.

This book was narrated by Gary Bennett. This is the first time I've listened to a book narrated by him. He does a pretty good job with the narration. I'd listen to other books narrated by him. I think he has the voice for crime novels and mysteries quite frankly. He may be just as successful in other genres as well.

This book was amazing. It went above and beyond my expectations of it. I started the book thinking it was going to be a cringefest of a story that will be full of predictable moments. I was completely wrong. So completely wrong. And I'm so completely thankful for that. I couldn't get enough of the story and wish it didn't have to end! I will try to read other books in the series. It was amazing.

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Review: The Woman in the Camphor Trunk

The Woman in the Camphor Trunk by Jennifer Kincheloe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Anna is no longer wealthy. Her father has disowned her and completely cut her off. She finds herself struggling to pay for things herself and eat properly. She's thankful that she's been allowed to work as a matron again despite everything coming out in the open about who she really is. Shortly after she returns, she uncovers a great murder mystery and finds herself determined to solve the case.

I really do love these stories. They are realistic to the time being spoken about. There are no liberties taken just because times are different now. I like that. If we cover up or rewrite history, we won't learn from it, but I digress. This book is very action-packed. I can't say I really enjoyed the beginning of the book. It was a bit of a sloppy start for me. The rest of the book made up for that in my opinion.

It's really rare that I absolutely love a story but completely dislike the main characters. This is one of them. I just don't understand how somebody can be so insanely stupid and yet intelligent at the same time. I think I'm being harsh. I get it. She led a sheltered life. However, she comes across as entitled and entirely selfish and spoiled. I can say that this book shows promise that she's starting to calm down a bit. That's a good sign.

Like the first book, this book was also narrated by Moira Quirk. She really did a fantastic job. I took the liberty of looking up other titles by her. She narrates for some pretty interesting titles. I will be doing what I can to obtain and listen to some more books narrated by her. She's not a favorite yet, but she has great potential. I will say that. She's lovely.

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the first book as well. I may not really care for the main characters and feel like the rest of the characters could use a bit more of a role in the books, but the books are highly enjoyable. Picture a Stephanie Plum but back in the early 1900s. Well, if Stephanie Plum wound up as a police matron instead of a bounty hunter and if she was born blue blooded.

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Review: Netherfield: Rogue Dragon: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

Netherfield: Rogue Dragon: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Maria Grace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Everything is coming to a dramatic head. Elizabeth has fled Longbourn. All is well again with Pemberly. She and Darcy have sorted everything out as well. Just when it seems there couldn't be anything else that could happen, it turns out that there's a rogue dragon in Netherfield. Elizabeth and Darcy are tasked to investigate. They must do so without the assistance of Longbourn as he's forbidden them from entering his territory.

I spent a lot of time doing nothing but listening to this book. I barely even took the time to pause it so I could get up. I had a very Sheldon "I don't need sleep. I need answers." moment. I can't even begin to explain. I couldn't even begin to try to predict everything that was going to go down. I would have been wrong if I did quite frankly. It was insane in the best way possible! I want and need more!!!!

I'm going to be very generic about my assessment of the characters. It's for a good reason. I want anybody who reads the books after reading my review to go into it unbiased. It's amazing how some very loveable characters from the original novel weren't so loveable in this one and the not so loveable ones were at least tolerable. I am not saying everybody was different. Just a select few. My mind was blown at the transformations between the original character and this version. That's all I am willing to say.

I get to gush about Benjamin Fife in another review. I can't get over the amazing talent he has. That and the fact that he's so dedicated to the projects he works on. It's obvious he goes above and beyond what's required of him. It's a very positive thing to me. I'd give him way more than five stars if I could. As it were, he has definitely been added to my auto-buy list. If I see any audiobook narrated by him when I have money, it will be in my library! No questions asked!

This has been a very fun series for me to read. I've really loved the retelling from one of my favorite classics of all time. I said in a previous review that Jane Austen herself would love this retelling. I wasn't just saying that. I actually mean it. If I didn't know better, I'd say that it's possible that the author is a reincarnation of Jane Austen! I can't wait to read the rest of the series. I will also be adding this author to my automatic read list!

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Review: Longbourn: Dragon Entail: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

Longbourn: Dragon Entail: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Maria Grace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Longbourn has decided that Elizabeth will marry Collins. To ensure this happens, he sends Pemberly and Darcy away. He feels that her attachment to them will prevent her from doing what he wishes. If that isn't enough, her father completely insists that she honor the marriage as well. Elizabeth is feeling completely overwhelmed and she's starting to become afraid of Longbourn.

I was trying to figure out how the author was going to go with this series. I loved Pride and Prejudice. I was very impressed with the retelling of this. I loved how creative the author was. I loved that she put exact word for word scenes from the original. It was impressive. I think even Jane Austen herself would have been impressed. I loved the first book and I loved the second as well!

I kind of wanted to smack Elizabeth in this one. She was being a little stubborn. I get it though. Nobody bothered to tell her that Darcy and Pemberly were banished. Poor Pemberly! I just couldn't handle how much pain that poor baby was in! I am also very impressed with how Darcy is portrayed in this. He's just so dreamy!

This book was narrated by Benjamin Fife. This is only the second book I've listened to by him, but I'm totally hooked. He's got amazing talent! If I had a lot of money, I would go and buy every single book he's narrated. I will plan to buy them when I can. Narrators are great. They are. The ones that go the extra mile for our entertainment are AMAZING. He's one of those. He has quickly been added to my favorites list. Hands down.

I really can't' wait to see where the rest of this series goes. It's such a creative take on a classic that we all love. Like I said before, I believe that Jane Austen herself would even love it. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. I'm just so in love with it! I fully recommend this unique retelling!

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Review: The Delving

The Delving by Aaron Bunce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thoben finds himself constantly struggling. He is a branded man and unable to find work as often as he needs to provide for his family. The taxes have been going up every year after winter. Thoben finds that if he doesn't do something soon, his family won't even have enough to eat. Out of the blue, a proposition is given to him. One that he finds hard to resist. He is very much against doing what is asked of him, but he finds that he could really use the money more than worrying about the risk involved.

I really did enjoy the story quite a bit. I wouldn't say that it was one of my favorites. I do believe that I will probably go back and reread the book just to make sure that I didn't miss anything. I may continue with the series as well, but it won't be for a while if I do. I do very much love the idea behind the story. It was very creative and unique. I love unique!

Thoben is the type of person that the reader can easily get behind. He does the right thing. He cares about his family. He would give someone the shirt off his back if they feel like they needed it. His family is beautiful as well. It's a family that I'm sure a lot of people who are from broken families just adore so much. Of course, I feel like I feel that families like that are just fairy tale families, but I digress. It was beautiful.

This book was narrated by Matthew E Berry. It's the first one I heard narrated by him, but I can promise that it won't be my last. It looks like he has a pretty decent library going for him. All of the titles look pretty amazing. I also have to say that he gave this book a lot of understanding for me. I feel like if I just flat out read it, I'd of had to reread many passages to fully understand it. I didn't have to do that thanks to him. I'm not saying this book is bad. It's just new to me.

I really did enjoy this book very much. I'm going to let my feelings on the book digest a bit before I decide on reading it again or continuing on with the series. I really loved the idea behind the story. It was a very refreshing page. It wasn't predictable at all. That's a very impressive feat. I do fully recommend the book.

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Review: Hellbent

Hellbent by Gregg Hurwitz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Evan finds everything changed. He's on the run for his life. He's a loose end that the government can't afford to stay alive. If that isn't enough, somebody he thought was dead randomly shows up and rocks his world even further. Just when his enemies think that they are gaining the upper hand, he does something that surprises everybody. He will stop it at nothing to get the payback he deserves. Revenge will be his.

This series has been beyond amazing. I'm so in love with it. There's a twist at every turn. I stated in the first two books that this book reminds me of the movie Hitman and the Dean Koonz Jane Hawk series. I am very infatuated with both of those as well. I am beyond impressed with it. I have to admit, I came into this series completely blind. I did that on purpose. I'm so glad I did. I'd of judged it completely wrong otherwise.

Evan seems to be growing into his own person. He seems to be connecting to his feelings more. He doesn't want anybody to go through the things he grew up with. He thinks that everybody deserves a chance at an actual life rather than being controlled by others to do whatever they desire. His handler was pretty honorable too. I totally understand where his decisions came from. It had to have been very hard for him. The bad guys in here were ones you could love to hate. The kind that I love!

I listened to this book in audiobook as well as the first two. I most likely will not listen to the last two in audiobook. I haven't decided yet. I do plan to own them in audiobook and go back and listen to them when I can. The narrator just made the story so much more intense than it already was. His name is Scott Brick. He narrated the first two books as well. I was very impressed with the performance.

This was a very intense book that had I had my way I'd of finished all in one sitting. I'd of read this entire series back to back if I could. The sacrifice of sleep would have been more than worth it. As it were, I have other things to do that would prevent me from doing this. I can't wait to dig into the next two books. It's an intense and fun journey that I find I just can't get enough of!

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Review: Making You Mine

Making You Mine by Melissa Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Knox and Aubrey have been hooking up for a few years. They met at an event and the connection they felt was strong. Knox is getting tired of just constantly hooking up with Aubrey. He's ready to make their relationship official. He finds that Aubrey is very reluctant and unwilling to move to the next step. Not wanting to let that discourage him, he makes it a point to do everything in his power to win her over.

When I first started reading this, I was like oh here we go. Let's see how fast we can predict this. Should we expect to see this on Hallmark? I found myself being pleasantly surprised. It wasn't a cheesy story at all. It was very well written and wholesome. It's the kind of book that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. It gives you hope on things that seem impossible. I think this is the fifth book in a series. I haven't read the first four books, but if they are just as adorable as this book, I fully plan to.

I know that Aubrey should be this unlikeable person. She refuses to be in a relationship because she's afraid that it will distract her from her business. It's easy to understand her point of view. She has so many successful people in her family. Even though her family is proud of her as she is, she still feels this sense of pressure. It's completely understandable. Knox is just so sweet. He's not perfect by any means, but he's amazing and is completely perfect for Aubrey. I loved both of their families and the people they work with. I wish I could have gotten to know them a bit more.

This book was narrated by Andi Arndt and Jason Clarke. They did a pretty amazing job. I am trying to remember if I have listened to anything else they have done. It's hard to keep track. I do find that I listen to many audiobooks. It seems to increase as time goes on. I can say I'm so impressed with their performance that I'm willing to listen to others that they perform. I would listen to both solo and duo performances from them.

I misjudged this book very horrible. It makes me feel bad. I stuck with it anyways. I'm glad I did. It was a very amazingly short and sweet book. It's wholesome and hilarious. It's hard not to read the book and root for Knox and empathize with Aubrey. I could see this being a very adorable mini-series or movie in the future. I think I should go back and read the first four books.

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Review: The Secret Life of Anna Blanc

The Secret Life of Anna Blanc by Jennifer Kincheloe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Anna Blanc is about to elope to a man she adores. She's caught by the police. The marriage is annulled. She finds herself back in her father's home constantly being supervised by chaperones. Somehow she manages to sneak away and lie her way into a position with the police station. She tries her best to solve a crime that nobody else is paying attention to and maintain her secret.

I really did love the idea behind this story. It was very well thought out. There are so many things I want to gush about. I'm not even sure where to begin. There were also a few things that I just didn't care for. I love that it stuck true to the norms of the time era in which the story takes place. I wanted to fact check a few things, but I didn't bother. It's a fictional novel. It can have luxuries of embellishment if they exist.

My biggest issue with this story is Anna Blanc herself. I just really couldn't stand her. It's like she was intended to act like Scarlett O'Hara. It's just that she didn't quite pull lit off. While O'Hara was impossible, she actually listened to others. And her logic was easy to decipher. Anna Blanc is all over the place. I mean there are some things that I agreed with her on, but I stress the SOME. The other characters were interesting, but most weren't around for me to get a proper read on.

This book was narrated by Moira Quick. She had a very pleasant voice. Her voice acting was very well. I felt like she did her best to match the time period she was reading about. It added to the story in my opinion. I'm having problems finding anything negative to say about her narration. I would definitely love to hear other books narrated by her.

I really did enjoy this book. It may not have been a favorite for me, but I'm still willing to reread it again if the opportunity presents itself. The narration was inspiring and the writing was great. I'd of liked to see the main character's attitude get an adjustment, but it is a series. So it's possible that it might happen in the next few books. I'm curious to read the rest.

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Review: Dead to the World

Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sookie is done with being put in danger all the time. She makes it a resolution to not get beat up. Her involvement with the vampires seems to be over for the moment, so she doesn't see this resolution being a problem. Until she finds Eric running around in the woods half naked with no idea who he is or anything to do with himself or his life. Sookie finds herself being sucked into the middle of all the chaos all over again.

I know it's silly, but this may just very be my favorite book in the entire series. It's kind of like all the characters in the series stepped into the Twilight Zone temporarily. I mean things go on like normal, but there had to be some upside-down feelings with Eric having no idea who he was! Then again, it was a secret to most of the population. It is a book that I would have liked to have seen multiple points of view. Just to see how others were thinking about the whole Eric situation.

I really started warming back up to Sookie in this book. She seemed to have really mellowed out. There were times where she was a bit too much for me. I don't know to explain it other than that. Eric's personality was something else in this one. Every time he made some comments that contradicted how he normally was, I laughed so hard. That was something to explain to my lovely fiance who was with me when I read now and then. There is a character in the series that wasn't in the show. His name is Bubba. He's my favorite character of the whole series!

I wound up listening to this book in audiobook as well. I'm praying that my life will slow down just a tad here soon. Either way, the same narrator (Joanna Parker) that narrated the first three books narrated this one as well. She did just as amazing in this as she did the first three and another series I read. I love how she just dives into the story like she's actually there. It helps pull me more into the story.

It's amazing. While I was reading this book, the first line of the next book kept popping into my mind. I couldn't figure it out until a certain part of the book came to light. Then I figured it out. I won't say too much. I don't like to give too many spoilers. That's why most of my reviews can be interpreted as vague. It's interesting how one change can really alter the entire dynamic around it.

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Review: Forgotten Soul

Forgotten Soul by Cheryllynn Dyess
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Angel Of Faith has defied God. He thought he was doing the right thing, but was reprimanded heavily. He was to live a thousand lifetimes until his faith in God has been restored. Skyler has been hired at a pretty amazing job. Everything seems perfect until he meets his boss.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a little choppy and hard to get into at first. I wish that there was a chapter somewhere explaining some of the previous lifetimes. Just kind of like a synopsis or whatever. That's just me though. I'm a curious being. I also totally misinterpreted this cover. I was convinced there would be some story about Indians somewhere.

I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Skyler seemed pretty interesting. Not somebody I could relate to fully, but I definitely connected to him and understood him. I feel like I related a bit more to Josiah than anybody in this book. Not fully, but in a way. I'd of loved to see more wit and humor through the dialogue.

This was a pretty interesting read. Had I not had to set it down, I would have probably finished it in one sitting. Probably in about an hour or two. There are some things I wish had been drawn out a bit more and enhanced, but that's just because I am in love with long novels. This book was amazing. I really did enjoy it.

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Review: The Liberal Record: Everything You Need to Know

The Liberal Record: Everything You Need to Know by Marcelo Brazzi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a book that compares decisions made from both the Conservative and Liberal parties. It obviously supports the Liberal side more than the conservative side. It is pretty objective in most places though. It's a pretty short and decent read. It's something to think about.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I may not believe everything that was in the book. I also may question some of the facts that they added in as well. However, it is obvious that they put in a lot of research into the book. I'm not really putting any negativity in the book. Just because I don't agree with everything said in the book doesn't mean I didn't enjoy this.

I really did enjoy reading this book. It was a pretty enjoyable read. It's amazing. Most books like this tend to be directed at people who are in the situation and understand it. This book kind of talks in a way where everybody will understand it easily. I just say that the reader should keep an open mind as they read it.

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Review: The Nowhere Man

The Nowhere Man by Gregg Hurwitz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Evan was taken from the orphanage he grew up in at a young age. He was trained to do horrible and unspeakable things for the government. Once his handler died, he left the project and went his own way. His mission was to protect those in trouble from dangerous situations they wanted out of. Everything is fine until he's tracked down. Now he's on the run for his life. He's a loose end that needs to be taken care of.

I'm seriously impressed with this book. I was kind of hesitant when I read the description of the first book, Orphan X. I gave it a chance anyway. In honor of the fifth book coming out this year (January 28th). I'm very glad I did quite frankly. It kind of reads like the Hitman. I also find it similar to the Jane Hawk series. I'm not sure if anybody has heard of that series, but it's good as well.

I still feel a disconnect with all the characters in the novel. I think that's kind of the point. Evan was raised as an assassin. He had no human interaction from anybody from a very young age with the exception of those who used him as a weapon. I realize that his handler tried to keep humanity in him, but one can only hold so much after they've killed many people. I really loved the neighbor chick and her son. She's very intelligent and down to earth. He has a connection with them as well. It's so obvious.

Like the first book, this book is narrated by Scott Brick. I picked up the first book because of time constraints, but I loved his narration so much that I got the second and third books in the series in audiobook as well. I plan to get the last two in the series in audio when I can get my hands on some credits. I also noticed there are some shot novellas that are reasonably priced that I plan to pick up as well. It's amazing how somebody can narrate normally and still add an intense thrill to a book.

I've really enjoyed this series so far. I believe that I will enjoy the rest of the series just as much. I may even enjoy it more. I can't wait to find out. I'm sure there are many things I can compare it to. Not that I like comparing. But it's screamed Hitman at me since I first started reading it. I can't ignore those vibes. It's an amazing read. I will reread it again in the future.

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Review: Capturing the Devil

Capturing the Devil by Kerri Maniscalco
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Audrey Rose is in America. She's planning for Thomas' birthday and anticipating her father and aunt coming so that they can get her father's blessing to marry. In the midst of the chaos and planning, women start getting murdered and it would seem that everything Audrey Rose thought she knew was wrong. Only her brother's journals can help her find the answers she needs to take the devil down once and for all.

Why does this series have to be over? I don't want it to be. I want to read about Wadsworth and Cresswell for years and years! I want to know all about their future! I'm so not good with endings! I really did enjoy this series. I've been curious about them for ages. I didn't think I'd ever muster up the courage to actually get around to reading them. I'm glad I did. I was convinced I'd say that it wasn't up to the hype. I can't. It actually is more than the hype.

I fell in love with Wadsworth and Cresswell. They have to be some of my favorite characters of all time. However, there are quite a few amazing characters in this series. We have Audrey Rose's cousin, Liza. Then there is the wonderful duo, Daciana, Thomas' sister, and Ileana. The uncle is a pretty powerful character, but the consistency of his behavior is a little weird.

This book was narrated by Nicola Barber. I wound up listening to the audiobook due to some time issues. The narrator was fantastic. I wound up buying the rest of the series that I can go back and listen to them all one day. I'm not sure how to describe the voice acting without sounding a bit cliche. I fully recommend everybody give the narrator a chance. I'll be listening to other books by this narrator in the future.

I'm really sad to be done with this series. It's going to be hard to say goodbye to these characters. I'll probably go back and reread the series again in the future. By probably, I mean I definitely will. Probably more than once. Like I've said, I was curious about this series for a long time. I was afraid to give it a try. I'm glad I finally broke down and did!

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Review: Living Dead in Dallas

Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sookie is horrified to find a cook of the bar shoved into Andy's car. As if that isn't bad enough, she gets attacked by a paranormal on her way to see Eric to discuss a matter. Trying to figure out if these are related, she finds herself loaned out to vampires in Texas. Sookie must handle the task in Texas so she can get back home to Bon Temps and help with the issue going on there.

I wrote a review on book three first. I stated in that that I'm technically re-reading these books. However, I am beginning to wonder if I ever read these two books. I have no memory whatsoever of them. Well, I mean obviously I do now. Either way, I'm glad I'm reading the series "again". I remember being obsessed with the series the first time around. I still love the series very much.

I really feel like Sookie was a bit much in this book. She takes offense at every single nice gesture that Bill tries it seems like. I guess I was just raised differently. I get that being seen like a charity case is humiliating, but I feel its insulting to snub people who are offering you a gift as well. You're basically saying you're too good for their generosity. Maybe I'm thinking too much into it.

I listened to this book in audiobook. It was narrated by Johanna Parker. It seems the series is narrated by her. I'm not sure about books later in the series. I only got the first three. Either way, I really liked her narration. I'd listen to the entire series if I had the credits to do so honestly. I'm content with reading the rest of the series though.

I really loved this book. I've loved the series so far. I wish I could compare how I feel about the book now as opposed to the first time around. I can't because I have no memory of the first time at all. It is what it is. This probably won't be my last time reading the series in all honesty. I can't wait to see where the rest of this series is going to go!

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